Infinix Smart 8 Review: Surprising Features in a Budget Device!

In the ever-evolving market of smartphones, there exists a fiercely competitive segment that aims to balance cost and functionality: the budget smartphone market. Here, the Infinix Smart 8 emerges as a noteworthy contender. A successor to the Infinix Smart 7, this latest offering from Infinix aims to push the boundaries of what can be expected from an affordable smartphone.

The Infinix Smart 8 comes at a time when budget phones are no longer just about cutting corners to keep costs down. Instead, they’re about delivering a comprehensive user experience of the average consumer, without the hefty price tag of flagship models. This phone promises to bring a blend of reliable performance, modern design, and user-friendly features, all while maintaining an attractive price point.

Positioned to appeal to cost-conscious who still desire a touch of modern smartphone features, the Smart 8 is more than just a basic communication device. It’s designed to be a daily driver that can handle a variety of tasks. As we delve deeper into the Infinix Smart 8 review, we will explore its various aspects including design, performance, camera capabilities, and unique features. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis to help you understand whether the Infinix Smart 8 stands up to the demands of the budget smartphone market and if it’s the right choice for you.

Infinix Smart 8 Features

Unboxing Experience

The moment you receive the Infinix Smart 8, there’s an air of anticipation that surrounds its unboxing. From the outset, the packaging catches your eye – a mix of vibrant colors and sleek branding. As you lift the lid off the box, you’re greeted with the main star of the show – the Infinix Smart 8 itself. The device sits securely in the center, cradled in protective packaging, its sleek design immediately drawing attention. The phone feels solid and well-built as you lift it out, reflecting a level of quality that’s not always found in budget smartphones.

The unboxing journey continues as you explore the accessories tucked neatly beneath the phone. A standard 10W charging adapter lies alongside a USB Type-C cable – also included in the box is a handy SIM card tool, essential for accessing the SIM and SD card tray, and a set of documentation, including a quick start guide and warranty information. But it’s the inclusion of a protective case that stands out.

Design and Build Quality

The Infinix Smart 8, a successor to the Smart 7, is a notable player in the budget smartphone arena, not just for its features but also for its thoughtful design and build quality. At first glance, the Smart 8 exudes a modern and sleek appearance. Available in a range of colors, including the eye-catching Shiny Gold and Crystal Green. Each color variant has a unique allure, with a reflective back that plays with light, adding to the device’s charm.

In terms of overall build and structural integrity, the Infinix Smart 8 does not disappoint. Despite its budget positioning, the phone does not feel flimsy or delicate. It exhibits commendable robustness with no evident creaks or flexing under normal usage conditions. This durability is crucial for everyday use, and the build materials and quality prove to be resilient against typical wear and tear.

Infinix has employed a durable plastic build for the Smart 8, striking a balance between lightweight comfort and sturdiness. This choice of material ensures the phone is resilient against daily wear and tear, making it suitable for those who prioritize durability. Moreover, the back panel features a matte finish that not only reduces fingerprints and smudges, keeping the phone looking clean and new, but also improves grip, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidental drops.

The flat sides and rounded edges of the phone are designed for a comfortable hold, reducing hand fatigue during extended use. This ergonomic design makes the Smart 8 easy to operate, whether for browsing, texting, or gaming.

The 6.6-inch display of the Infinix Smart 8 is a standout feature. With its high screen-to-body ratio, the device offers an immersive viewing experience. The minimal bezels and punch-hole design not only contribute to its modern aesthetics but also maximize the screen real estate, making it ideal for media consumption and gaming. The phone’s design is marked by a clean and uncluttered layout, with a punch-hole camera neatly positioned on the front, adding to its contemporary look.

Infinix has thoughtfully designed the placement of buttons and ports for ease of use. The power button, which doubles as a fingerprint sensor, is conveniently located on the side. The volume rockers are positioned just above. The inclusion of a USB Type-C port is a commendable aspect of the Smart 8, considering its budget-friendly nature. Additionally, the presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack for those who prefer traditional wired headphones.

Display Quality

The Infinix Smart 8 sports a generous 6.6-inch IPS LCD display, This size is ideal for various multimedia activities like watching videos, browsing the web, and playing games. However, the resolution stands at 720p (HD+), which, while sufficient for most day-to-day activities, may not satisfy those looking for ultra-sharp display quality. The 720p resolution on a screen this size results in a lower pixel density, which might be noticeable, especially when reading small text or viewing high-resolution images.

A standout feature of the Infinix Smart 8’s display is its 90Hz refresh rate, which is particularly impressive given the phone’s budget-friendly positioning. This high refresh rate ensures smoother scrolling and an overall more responsive touch experience. It’s a significant improvement over the more common 60Hz displays found in many budget smartphones and contributes to a perceptibly snappier user interface.

The display’s brightness, capped at 500 nits, is adequate for indoor usage, providing clear and vivid images. However, visibility under direct sunlight could be a challenge, a common issue in budget smartphones. So, might find your self themselves seeking shade or adjusting angles for better visibility when using the phone outdoors.

Color reproduction on the Infinix Smart 8’s display is generally satisfactory, with colors appearing vibrant enough for an enjoyable viewing experience. It may not rival the deep contrasts and color depth of an OLED panel, but for an IPS LCD screen in this price range, it delivers a commendable performance. The viewing angles are decent, with minimal color shift noticed when the device is tilted, which is a positive aspect of the IPS technology used in the screen.

Audio Quality

The Infinix Smart 8 is equipped with a mono speaker system that delivers a surprisingly robust audio output for its price point. While it may lack stereo separation, the speaker on the Smart 8 is commendable for its clarity and volume. Infinix has engineered the speaker to push the limits of loudness without significant distortion, making it more than adequate for casual listening, video playback, and gaming. The audio quality is crisp, with an emphasis on mid-range frequencies.

Retaining the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack, the Infinix Smart 8 offers users the flexibility to use wired headphones or earphones. However, audiophiles might notice the lack of depth in the lower frequencies, which is common in budget smartphones.

Performance

The Infinix Smart 8 is powered by a Unisoc T606 processor. This chipset is tailored for entry-level smartphones, offering adequate performance for day-to-day tasks. The 12nm processor ensures a balance between power efficiency and computational ability, It features an octa-core setup, including two performance-focused Cortex-A75 cores and six power-efficient Cortex-A55 cores. Making it suitable for regular activities like web browsing, social media usage, and handling standard apps. With an AnTuTu benchmark score hovering around 230000 ponit, the Smart 8 demonstrates respectable performance for its class. You can expect smooth operation in basic operations, though it might not be the best choice for power users or those seeking a device for intensive tasks.

However, Alternative phones such as Samsung, Xiaomi, and Realmi might include phones with slightly superior processors like the MediaTek Helio G series or Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 series, offering better performance in some cases, particularly in gaming and multitasking.

Gaming and Multitasking Capabilities

When it comes to gaming, the Infinix Smart 8 caters to casual gamers rather than hardcore gaming enthusiasts. Games like PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile can run on this device, but for an optimal experience, they should be set to low or medium settings. High-end gaming with demanding graphics settings might lead to noticeable lags and subpar performance, indicating the phone’s limitations in handling graphically intensive tasks.

Multitasking on the Infinix Smart 8 is manageable, thanks to its 3/4GB RAM configuration and the additional benefit of virtual RAM expansion. However, it’s important to note that while this feature improves multitasking, it can’t compensate for the physical RAM limitations when dealing with highly demanding apps. Son The device can handle switching between apps reasonably well, although users might notice a slight delay when running multiple resource-intensive applications simultaneously.

Software and User Interface

The Infinix Smart 8 runs on Android 13 Go Edition, a streamlined version of the Android operating system designed for budget-friendly smartphones. Overlaying the Android core is Infinix’s custom user interface, XOS 13. This UI brings a distinct look and feel to the device, with custom icons, themes, and a range of additional features not found in stock Android. XOS 13 is known for its user-friendly approach, offering intuitive navigation and easy access to frequently used apps and settings.

One of the highlights of XOS 13 is its extensive customization options. Users can personalize their experience with various themes, wallpapers, and settings. The UI also allows for adjustments in font size, icon layout, and color schemes, making the phone’s interface adaptable to individual preferences.

Despite being feature-rich, XOS 13 is optimized for efficiency on the Infinix Smart 8. The UI is designed to be responsive and fluid, contributing to a smooth user experience, especially important for a device with modest hardware specifications. Transition animations, app launching, and multitasking are managed effectively to ensure minimal lag.

Bloatware and App Management:
A common concern with custom UIs is the presence of bloatware – pre-installed apps that may not be essential. The Infinix Smart 8 does come with some pre-installed applications, but XOS 13 offers the flexibility to disable or uninstall many of these, providing users with more control over their device’s storage and performance.

Unique Features – Magic Ring and More:
A standout feature in the Smart 8’s software suite is the ‘Magic Ring’, an adaptation of the Dynamic Island concept. This feature offers an interactive and visually engaging way to display notifications, battery status, and other alerts. It exemplifies Infinix’s effort to bring innovative features to the budget segment.

Camera Capabilities

In the market of entry-level smartphones, the Infinix Smart 8 brings to the table a camera setup that balances functionality with the budgetary constraints typical of this category. The device features a dual-camera arrangement on the rear, headlined by a 13-megapixel primary sensor, complemented by a 0.3-megapixel depth sensor. On the front, it hosts an 8-megapixel selfie camera.

Rear Camera Performance:

The 13MP main camera of the Infinix Smart 8 shines in well-lit conditions, capturing images that are suffused with reasonable color fidelity and a satisfactory level of detail. However, the camera’s dynamic range presents as a limitation, especially in bright conditions where highlights tend to be overexposed. In scenarios with lower light, the camera’s limitations become more pronounced, as images often emerge grainier, with a noticeable reduction in detail. The presence of a night mode, though a thoughtful addition, does little to substantially elevate the low-light photography experience.

Depth Sensor and Portrait Mode:

The additional depth sensor on the Smart 8 plays a crucial role in enabling portrait shots with a bokeh effect. While the edge detection facilitated by this sensor generally performs adequately, it occasionally falters with complex outlines, leading to less-than-perfect portrait shots.

Front Camera Performance:

The front-facing 8MP camera of the Smart 8 does a commendable job under favorable lighting conditions. It captures selfies with a pleasing sharpness and skin tones that come across as natural. As the lighting dims, however, the quality of the selfies follows suit, with images becoming softer and losing detail.

Video Recording Capabilities:

Both the front and rear cameras of the Infinix Smart 8 are capable of recording video at 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second. While this setup suffices for casual video recording needs, the absence of any form of stabilization is keenly felt. Videos can appear shaky and unstable unless the device is held with a steady hand or supported.

Battery Life and Charging

The Infinix Smart 8 comes equipped with a robust 5,000mAh battery, a sizeable capacity for an entry-level smartphone. In real tests, the Infinix Smart 8 impressively holds up against various daily tasks. Users streaming videos, browsing social media, or engaging in occasional gaming sessions can expect the battery to last an entire day with some charge to spare. It’s particularly noteworthy for users who prioritize battery life in their smartphone experience.

While the phone excels in battery life, it comes with a limitation in its charging capabilities. The Infinix Smart 8 is bundled with a 10W charger, which, by today’s standards, is relatively slow. Charging the phone from 0% to 100% can take upwards of 2.5 to 3 hours. This slower charging rate might be a concern for those who are frequently on the go and need quick top-ups.

Price and Value Proposition

The Infinix Smart 8 stands out in the budget smartphone category, offering features typically reserved for higher-priced devices. Notable amongst these are the 90Hz refresh rate display and the adoption of a USB Type-C charging port, a significant upgrade from the more commonly found micro USB in this price range. In comparison to its competitors in the same price bracket, the Infinix Smart 8 presents a strong case. It competes against well-known brands by offering a high refresh rate screen, enhanced storage options, and a user-friendly interface. Its inclusion of the ‘Magic Ring’ feature, reminiscent of more premium devices, adds an element of innovation not typically seen at this price point.

Other budget smartphones in a similar price range may offer comparable features. Brands like Xiaomi, Realme, and Samsung have models that vie for attention with their own unique selling propositions, such as brand reputation, slightly better camera quality, or a more refined user interface.

Who Should Buy the Infinix Smart 8?

The Infinix Smart 8 is ideal for those who are looking for a reliable, budget-friendly smartphone with decent performance and a good display. It’s particularly suited for everyday tasks like social media, casual gaming, and streaming videos. If you’re stepping into the smartphone world for the first time or need a dependable secondary device, the Infinix Smart 8 is a strong contender.

However, if your usage involves intense gaming, professional-level photography, or heavy multitasking, you might want to consider devices with higher specifications. Overall, the Infinix Smart 8 stands out in the budget segment for its combination of features, design, and value for money. It’s a testament to how far entry-level smartphones have come, offering a balanced experience for a very reasonable price.